Sold To Mr. Lawson

Selena's POV

Cline Levée de fonds is a fundraiser event where future heiress and heirs of conglomerates attend. Each year has different activities, be it a marathon, gala, golf, or concert. And for this year's activity, it was an auction event.

"This is why I'm against you wearing a backless dress," an annoyed man's voice snapped me to my thoughts.

After glancing at his suit on my shoulders, which covered my bare back, I traced my gaze to his face. To his soft ash blonde hair, to his summer blue sky eyes, straight nose, and red wine lips that perfectly matched his small porcelain face.

The man in front of me is Dwaine Scoth. The CEO of Mercian. My boss, my friend, and my first love.

"I'm not cold, Sir Dwaine," I said quietly as I turned my gaze in front and saw the piercing gazes directed at me. "I'm also afraid that your fangirls would eat me up. So, take this suit away and take pity on your secretary."

"I don't care. It's not like their jealousy would harm our mission tonight," Dwaine retorts, leaving the last sentence in a serious tone.

That's right, we didn't attend this event just for the fundraiser. We came here solely for our mission. And that is to save our company, Mercian, which is now on the brink of danger. And to do that, we need someone's help.

"He's here," Dwaine uttered, which made me look at the entrance door of Cline's VVIP hall.

And the person who would help us is Maxwell Lawson, the very same man who's now paving his way inside the hall.

As the chandelier's light cast a shadow on his brushed-up jet-black hair, his hawkish gaze met everyone's gazes, making them hold their breath under his villainous, strong presence.

No one dared to come closer to him as all they could do was stare at his picturesque face.

Maxwell Lawson-The CEO of Zuiqe and future heir of the Lawson group. A group everyone is afraid of getting involved with. The reason? They're known for being ruthless, especially Maxwell.

And the only person who bravely took the first opportunity to approach him was Dwaine.

"Maxwell, it's a surprise to see you here," said Dwaine with a gentle smile. "You rarely attend this kind of event."

Maxwell's face remained stoic until he grabbed a glass of red wine. "I'm also surprised to see you here, Dwaine," said Maxwell in a cold, low voice, the corner of his lips tugging up. "I guess you can't even resist having fun despite the conflict in your company."

What Maxwell said was a complete ridicule-gaining unwanted whispers from the audience.

"I heard Lawson and Scoth's are on bad terms. I guess it's true."

"That can't be helped. We're talking business here. Zuiqe and Mercian had been competing for the number one spot for the best fashion brand company in the fashion world. And now Mercian's is in a dire situation; it wouldn't be surprising that Maxwell is happy with it."

Yes, they are right. Maxwell Lawson is indeed our company's greatest rival. That's why, just to ask for his help, we can't help but swallow our pride.

Under the unpleasant attention, Dwaine kept his emotions under control and kept a smile on his face.

"You're right. I indeed can't miss the fun." Dwaine took a glass of cocktail and spoke, "So, why don't we make it more entertaining by placing a bet on the last item on the auction? The highest bidder would be the winner. And the loser must do whatever the winner wishes. How about it?"

A bet. This is a risky move we need to make for Maxwell to help us. Once we won the bet, we would use it for a collaboration contract between Mercian and Zuiqe. And once the collaboration sets off, we can save the company.

And the chances of Maxwell taking our bait would be 90 percent.

My guess became right as soon as Maxwell spoke.

"A bet..." he murmured, not adding words for a long moment.

It was then, when his vampirish black eyes sharply stared through my eyes, Maxwell continued, "Count me in."

Chills run down my spine immediately.

'Did he just smirk at me?'

Oddly enough, an ominous feeling plagued my heart.

And that lousy feeling immediately came after the lights went off and the spotlight went through the stage.

"Distinguished guests, welcome to Cline Levée de fonds," after the formal greetings, the auctioneer made an announcement that shook everyone.

"We will hold an exciting auction to celebrate Cline's 20th anniversary. This time, the items that you'll bid would be you, our guests."

..............................

Third Person POV.

"Going once for number 23."

"Going twice."

"And Mr. Jones is sold to number 23!"

Enthusiastic cheers penetrated the hall for a moment.

In contrast to the lively atmosphere, Selena's heart was filled with nervousness.

"Now, for our third item, we have Selena Moore. A beautiful executive secretary of the CEO of Mercian! Let's start with one million dollars. Oh, it looks like Miss Moore is popular," with great energy, the auctioneer started to call the bidder's numbers.

With the spotlight shot on her, Selena felt increasing anxiety.

Their plan was simple: win the bet and make Maxwell comply with their wish. However, her confidence in the plan's success plummeted when she was randomly selected as one of the auction items through drawing lots.

And it has something to do with all the lustful gazes she got from the bidders who can't wait to have a one-day date with her if they manage to win.

Because she knew what would follow next, and her fear came true.

"Five million dollars."

Gasped filled the place at the new bidder's offer.

"Five million dollars for number 18!"

Selena's brows were etched as she looked at Dwaine, who raised his card with the number eighteen on it.

'You can't, Dwaine!' However, no matter how she gazed at Dwaine with a warning, Dwaine raised the bid higher, not intending to let all the lecherous men touch her.

Selena worriedly thought, 'With Mercian's dangerous situation, Dwaine was forced to use his own money for the auction. Fifty million dollars. That's the maximum money he can bet with Maxwell. So, he's supposed to use it for the last item. However, if he continued to bid more for me, we would surely lose to Maxwell. As well as Mercian.'

And while Selena and Dwaine were preoccupied with the auction, a hand raised in midair.

A deep, cold voice followed it.

"Thirty-Million dollars."

Everyone ghastly turned their head at the bidder.

Comfortably sitting on his seat as he sips his wine with an imperceptible smirk, he raises his card again and adds his bid more.

"Fifty-Million dollars."

Gulping, the auctioneer announced, "Fi-fifty dollars for number 17, Maxwell Lawson!"

'What!? Is he kidding?' Stupified, Selena dazedly stared at Maxwell. 'No. He must be up to something. Fifty million is a big sum. There's no way he'll tactlessly spend it on me-who's not even the last item. After all, you can only bid one item.'

In the midst of surprises, a pair of blue eyes gawked bouncily between Selena and Maxwell. Pressing his lips in a tight line, he raised his hands.

"Sixty million dollars," Dwaine declared, stealing the show from Maxwell.

Selena widened her eyes at Dwaine. 'Dwaine, this is a trap! Don't fall for it!'

Not minding the gazes, Selena shook her head. 'He's baiting you to bid on me. That way, he'll win the bet!'

But is that really a trap by Maxwell?

The answer to that question came quickly.

"Two hundred million dollars."

Silence once again struck the hall.

Slowly turning her gaze away from Dwaine, she looked at him. It was then, when Maxwell's frosty gaze clashed with hers, that

Selena realized that she was wrong.

"Going once for Maxwell Lawson!"

It's not a trap.

"Going twice!"

Because Maxwell is serious about winning her.

"Selena Moore is sold to Maxwell Lawson!"

For two hundred million dollars, Selena was sold to Maxwell Lawson.

He is known for being ruthless and arrogant. But why does a man like him, who doesn't even spare women an ounce of attention,

bid a big sum of money on a mere secretary?

Just what an absurd deal awaits Selena?

...........

"Miss Selena Moore is waiting for you in the executive hotel room. Let me guide you on your way, sir Lawson."

Footsteps echoed in the hallway as the concierge guided Maxwell to where Selena was waiting. While in the middle of walking, an expected familiar figure welcomed them from not so far away, making Maxwell cease.

"Leave," Maxwell ordered.

Understanding the tense situation, the concierge bowed her head and left.

Placing his one hand in his pocket, Maxwell stared at Dwaine, whose face was dark.

Maxwell smiled provocatively. "I had fun today, thanks to you."

Seeing his arrogant smile made Dwaine feel more unpleasant. Jarring his jaw, he frigidly spoke, "You're getting crazier, Maxwell Lawson."

"Is that a compliment?" said Maxwell, looking unbothered.

Dwaine clenched his hands.

"What are you planning to do with Selena? Answer me, you bastard."

Maxwell didn't respond for a moment until he stepped towards Dwaine and uttered, "I bought her for two hundred million dollars just for a one-day date." He grinned. "What do you think I'll do with her tonight?"

As a vast rage rose on Dwaine, without even thinking, he rushed and punched Maxwell in his face.

Maxwell staggered backward but not far enough from Dwaine.

"Ha..." Chuckling, he wiped the blood on his lips. "Your reaction was a sight."

Dwaine grabbed Maxwell's collar, his eyes glowering like a madman.

"What do you want? Why, out of all people, why choose my secretary!? You're planning something, aren't you?"

"Shouldn't you ask that to yourself first?" Maxwell retorted.

Dwaine's grip on Maxwell's collar tightened more. "What?"

"You want something from me. That's why you personally asked the chairman of Cline if I'm on the list of the invitees to the fundraiser event." Maxwell grabbed Dwaine's hands on his collar and pulled it away. While he slightly loosened his tie, he continued, "You even made a bet with me-the man you loathed. Because if you win, you'll use it to force me to sign a collaboration contract. Once the collaboration is set, not only will it save your company, but you will also have the chance to get in touch with Mr. Chwe."

Dwaine's brows etched into a frown. 'How did he know that? Don't tell me...'

"You planned all of this from the start?"

Seeing how Maxwell didn't deny it made Dwaine furious.

He can't understand Maxwell. Why did he approach them even though he knew their plan? And why did he bid on Selena?

An absurd idea flickered on Dwaine. Making his face turned pale as he looked at Maxwell.

At the same time, Maxwell spoke, "Although the bet becomes invalid, let's make a deal. I'll collaborate with Mercian. But on one condition."

The moment Maxwell's smile falls off is when the absurdity starts.

"Give me Selena Moore."

"..."

The room was filled with an unsettling silence that seemed to cut through the air.

Taking one step backward, Dwaine's lips tugged upwards. "What... ha," he chuckled. "You must be kidding, right?"

"Fortunately, I'm not," replied Maxwell, his expression serious.

However, Dwaine's smile vanished as soon as he heard his answer. His eyes grew cold. "Then, what do you call that?"

"A deal. You will give up your secretary to me, and I'll collaborate with Mercian. I can even ask Mr. Chwe to help you if you want."

"..."

Dwaine was wordless for a moment.

Mercian-the company he spent his whole life-is in a dire state of falling. And it will be no matter in time, and it would fall into the hands of another person. That's why he's desperate to save it, even if it means to beg the man whom he hated the most.

However, to save Mercian, Maxwell's condition was Selena.

His secretary, friend, and...

The woman he loves.

Shrouded with rage and confusion, Dwaine fiercely glared at Maxwell.

"Why Selena?"

"Why, you ask..." trailing, Maxwell narrowed his gaze and laughed half-heartedly, enjoying Dwaine's ugly complexion. "What do you think?"

"Quit with that vague answer, and f**ck*ng answer my question!"

"I'm not obliged to feed your curiosity," Maxwell retorted. This time, his gaze coldly stared back at Dwaine as the playful smile on his lips was gone.

"Remember, you're not in the place to ask questions. It's you who's in a desperate situation, not me." He continued in his low voice, "You don't need to agree with my condition if you don't like it. It's your loss anyway."

Maxwell then walked forward and stopped before he could walk past Dwaine.

He whispered, "However, don't forget that Mercian is your dead mother's precious company." Turning to Dwaine, he smirked. "I wonder what your mother would feel when she watched how her son gave up the opportunity to save her company for a mere woman."

"..."

Maxwell glanced at Dwaine's trembling fist. Keeping his smile, he tapped Dwaine's shoulder and said, "I'll give you five minutes to think about it. And if you fail to give me your answer, consider that the deal is off."

Within five minutes, Dwaine was given two choices.

Keep Selena by his side and lose Mercian-the company he cherishes the most.

Or,

Save Mercian and sell the woman he loves to Maxwell.

Faced with the biggest dilemma in his life, Dwaine had no choice but to give up one thing.

Is it Mercian or Selena?

Third Person POV.

Inside the hotel room, a grim expression was seen on Selena's face.

And for the twentieth time, she uttered the words, "He bought me for two hundred million dollars."

Biting her lower lips, she glanced at the hotel's room door.

'Maxwell bought me for two hundred million dollars. Why?'

In fact, the answer is simple.

The Cline's auction rule is that ninety percent of the money of the bidders' winners would go to different welfare, and the remaining one percent would go to the item or person that was bid on; of course, the money would still be donated under that person's name. Meanwhile, the bidders who won the bid had the chance to have a one-day date with the item they won.

Now that Maxwell-a healthy young man, bid two hundred million on Selena-a beautiful young woman, just for a one-day date, only means one thing.

'He wants to spend a night with me.' As she thought that, Selena anxiously walked back and forth.

But what fears Selena isn't the fact that Maxwell would touch her; what she fears the most is...

'Dwaine must be anxious now. What should I do?'

The fear of making Dwaine worried.

'Now, all the plans failed because of me. What would we do with Mercian? He must be at a loss right now.'

And without her realizing it, her feet had already taken her outside the room's hotel.

"I already said this, but you can't go out without Sir Lawson's permission," sternly said by the bulky man who blocked Selena's way.

"I left my wallet in the hall. After I find it, I'll come back here as soon as possible," Selena plastered a smile, trying to negotiate.

"What about this?" bending, she took off her high heels and tossed them on the ground. "I'll even leave barefoot. Now, can you let me go?"

The guard tossed another guard a glance.

Seeing how the guard wavered a little bit, Selena pointed to her phone that was in the guard suit's pocket and seized the chance.

"If I don't return within ten minutes, you can keep my phone. As you know, all our clients' mail and number are on that phone. I also had a lot of important things there."

'Please take the bait.' She constantly prayed in her mind as her hand subconsciously touched her dress pocket, where she had secretly hidden her other phone when the guards had collected her belongings earlier.

'I only need five minutes to contact Dwaine.' Selena watched how the guard's eyes started to waver.

And after an extended silence, the guard opened his mouth. However, before a word can escape him, a low voice is heard.

"What are you doing?"

Selena froze on her spot. While the two bulky men immediately had their heads bowed.

Turning around, Selena lifted her head and looked at him.

"I asked, what are you doing?" his voice was calm. But in contrast to his tone, his complexion was cold and dangerous.

As Maxwell approached her, a penetrating cold silence hung in the air. But amidst the silence, Selena can hear her hammering chest.

Maxwell Lawson is infamous for his devilish personality- arrogant, overbearing, and ruthless. Rumors even said that every employee on Zuiqe feared him. It was to the point that a day wouldn't pass by without any employees resigning.

'I think the rumors are true.' As Selena admitted that to her mind, she could feel her feet take a step backward as Maxwell stepped closer.

'No. Act calm, Selena. Don't let him see that you're intimidated.' Under his strong presence, Selena managed to stop her feet from moving.

Trying to compose herself, she displayed a light smile, and parted her lips open.

"I just want to find my walle-" yet, her words were stopped when Maxwell walked past her.

In the next seconds, a loud groan was heard.

The bulky man winced in pain as he held his shin that Maxwell kicked.

Selena, who guessed what just happened, had her brows frowned at Maxwell's figure. 'What's up with him?'

Lifting the man's collars, Maxwell sharply pierced him with a gaze.

"Who ordered you to defy my order?" his voice was threateningly low. Making the man tremble as he crouched down.

"I.. I," stuttered; the man glanced at Selena.

Selena knew the best way to avoid getting into Maxwell's wrath was to stay silent. But as she looked at the horror on the man's face, before she knew it, her mouth already moved on its own.

"I think there's a misunderstanding here."

'What the heck am I doing?' clenching her hands, Selena looked at Maxwell and continued, "I'm the one who asked them to let me go for a second. I don't think it's necessary to hurt your employees like that when they did nothing but to stop me."

"I'm not talking to you, so shut up."

But what she got was a warning from Maxwell.

Selena shut her mouth and watched how Maxwell freed the man from his hold.

"Get out of my sight."

Hearing their boss's order, the two men stood straight and immediately left. Leaving Selena alone with Maxwell.

'Now they're gone, it will be no matter of time and,' Selena nervously glanced at the room's door. 'No. I must prevent that from happening. For now, let's stall time.'

Out of desperation, Selena's mind was filled with things she could use to prevent Maxwell from touching her. However, the moment she felt his cold fingers on her chin, all her thoughts seemed to disappear instantly.

Maxwell lifted her chin to face him. Upon raising her eyes, Maxwell's appearance, his sharp black pupils, handsome yet grim reaper-like face, came into her sight.

His gaze wandered around her face like how a beast inspects his prey.

And after some seconds, Maxwell found gazes together as a smirk played across his lips.

He whispered, "Miss two hundred million dollars, should we go now?"

.....

Face disgruntled and cold sweats forming, Selena sharply held her breath.

"Can-can you slow down?"

Hands clutching her seat belt, she shot Maxwell a glare.

Ignoring her words, Maxwell pressed the gas and sped his sports car more. Causing Selena to close her eyes momentarily.

'Is this how I would die? Don't tell me he bought me just slowly to kill me?'

There's no time for Selena to think of a plan to get away with Maxwell, let alone know where he will take her, as her life is on the brink of getting in a car accident with a lunatic.

Eyes pressed closed; Selena tried to ask him one more time.

"Where are you going to take me?"

Silence.

That was his response.

Starting to get irritated, Selena sharply blurted, "I think it wouldn't hurt you to speak even just one word."

"...Sir Lawson," she added in the last second with a formal tone.

Yet, as if she was talking to a wall, no words came next.

'I want smash his lips with a brick until he talks.' Refraining from saying those words to him, Selena just quietly shut her mouth and waited for the car to stop.

By the time the car speed went slow, Selena slowly opened her eyes.

The road in front of her was dark.

And in split seconds, her body went cold as thousands of thoughts entered her mind.

'Why is he taking me in a dark place?'

Placed in an absurd situation, where she was bought by a lavish amount of money and taken into a dark unknown place with a dangerous man, it became normal for Selena to come up with something. And that was...

'Don't tell me Maxwell is a psychopath!'

She silently gasped.

'Now that I mentioned it, he seemed really a psychopath. Not only is he scarily quiet, but the way he treated his men earlier at the hotel, the way he gazed at them and me, is creepy.'

Her hands automatically reached for her phone.

'Also, if he really wants to have an intimate night with me, instead of wasting his time on driving in the middle of the night, he should have done it in the hotel room.'

'Now it makes sense. The reason why he freakingly spent two hundred million dollars on me was all because he's crazy. A psychopath who found pleasure in torturing people.'

Alarmed and tense, Selena wandered her gaze around the road.

'I must find a way to get out.'

'And the first thing I should do is to know where this place is.'

However, when the car turned right onto an old street lit by streetlamps, Selena immediately recognized where she was.

Slowly, her tense aura was lessened.

"This is..." Pointing her finger outside, she looked confusedly at Maxwell. "My apartment."

Stopping the car in front of Selena's apartment, Maxwell apathetically gave her a look.

And for the first time after getting in the car, she heard him talk.

"Get out."

It was short, yet cold.

And in a blink of an eye, Selena found herself standing outside of his car with her bag, her cellphone, and a bank note on her hands.

Soon, the sports car in front of her sped its way and disappeared from her sight.

In exchange for two hundred million dollars, Maxwell was granted to have a one-day date with Selena. However, the date that supposedly to last a day, just ended within a half an hour.

.............

As the night went more profound, the moon remained in the sky as its bright light illuminated the massive field of the mansion of the Lawson estate.

At the entrance of the mansion, a line of butlers and maids waited in line. The moment they saw his figure approaching, they bowed and greeted him with respect.

Tailing behind him, his assistant asked, "How was it, sir?"

Maxwell stoically responded with a short, "Mn." Before tossing his car key to his assistant.

He then dialed a number on his phone and spoke as soon as the other line answered, saying, "It's me."

["The result?"] a man's voice was heard on the other line.

"The plan is sailing smooth."

["What's makes you sure of it?"]

"I told you," loosening his tie, Maxwell went inside his office and continued, "That man will do anything just to get his goal."

"Just wait, and she'll be on our side soon."

["I'll trust you."]

When the call ended, he tossed his phone on his desk.

"Trey."

"Yes, Sir," Trey immediately replied and waited for his boss's order.

"Arrange a room for her."

"I'll arrange it today."

"You must."

Bowing his head, Trey glanced at him. "Yes, I..." he paused and continued, "...understood."

Turning around, Trey slightly cocked his head. 'That look... Is he smiling?'

....

Meanwhile, inside a dimly lit room, a heavy, dark atmosphere prevailed as Dwaine silently sat alone. And as the piece of moonlight cast a shadow on his face, his blue eyes glistened dangerously.

Selena's Pov.

"...Selena?"

"Miss Selena?"

Snapping, I looked at the female employee standing before me. "Sorry, what did you say again?"

She pointed to the stack of folders on my desk. "The marketing director wants to know when the president will sign the document he showed him last Friday." After hesitating, she brushed her nape and said, "I know we can't rush Sir Dwaine. But if he delays it any longer, we will lose a large amount of money. That's what the director wants to say."

"About that," I tapped the folders and gave the employee a reassuring smile. "Tell the director not to worry. I'll contact the president and make sure he'll sign it."

But the moment she left, the smile I tried to maintain has collapsed.

Weaving a sigh, I picked up my phone and dialed a number.

Last night, after Maxwell dropped me at my place, which is still a mystery until now, the first thing I did was to call Dwaine.

However, since last night, he hasn't answered my phone call.

"It's not going through."

Raking my hair, I redialed his number for the thirtieth time.

"The number you dialed is not in service. Please leave a message after this tone."

It's been a whole day since I lost touch with Dwaine. And that alone made me more anxious.

I sent him countless texts. I explained to him that nothing happened between Maxwell and me. I also reassured him that we still had a chance to save the Mercian without Maxwell's help.

But it's no avail.

About to give up, I stood up and decided to find Dwaine myself.

Right at that moment, someone called in my phone.

It was him.

Not wasting any seconds, I quickly picked it up.

"Dwaine, you answered! Where are you? I'll go there. I thought of something that would-"

["Selena."]

His voice, sounding heavy and empty, made me cease.

I frowned. "Why are you speaking like that? You're making me worry."

["..."]

Silence.

"Dwaine?"

["You trust me, right?"]

His question was strange.

But even so, "Of course, I trust you," I answered without hesitation.

........

Third Person Pov.

["You trust me, right?"]

It was a simple question.

"Of course, I trust you."

And a simple answer.

Yet, Selena never knew that this was where the betrayal started as well as the deal that is bound to change her life.

After Dwaine asked Selena that question, he suddenly ended the call.

Making Selena find it suspicious.

'Is it because he's mad because he lost from the bet? Or Is it because we failed to secure a deal with Maxwell?' Somehow, Selena's consciousness tells her that it's neither of the two.

"Secretary Moore," called Sir Turner, snapping Selena from the present. "The chairman asked you to come in."

'Well, let's finish this first. Then find Dwaine and let him know that I already thought of a plan that might save us from the crisis.'

With that in mind, Selena went inside the Chairman's office. There, she saw him standing near the transparent window, staring at the view of the clear city.

"You called for me, Sir."

"It's been a while, Miss Moore," his voice was still as calm as before.

Lifting her head, she looked at him, who was now staring back at her with a gentle smile. A kind of smile that would appease anyone who sees it.

At least, not Selena.

The man's name was Pierson Scoth-the head of the Scoth group and Dwaine's father.

"I called you here to praise you, Miss Moore," he said, slightly catching Selena off guard.

'That's too random.' She thought.

Pulling his chair and sitting down gently, Pierson chuckled. "I heard from my son that you made a big achievement for the company. I must praise you for that."

Selena subtly smiled. "I'm afraid I can't catch up, Sir. May I ask what I did to deserve your praise?"

"That's odd." Pierson cocked his head, looking confused. "You and my son have a close relationship. Don't tell me, Dwaine didn't tell you about it?"

As if he understood Selena's silence, Pierson nodded and stood up.

"That's quite sad," he whispered with a sad tone.

When Selena is about to ask what it is, Pierson has already started his sentimental speech.

"I remember the day I first saw you. A smart child with a promising future that waits for her. That's my first impression. And you didn't fail to reach my expectations. You're unique and smart. It's not a lie to say you're par with my son."

"You also became the best aid for Dwaine. That's why I'm glad I made the right decision to give you the company's sponsor and scholarship that supported your studies and your loans. You must be thankful for it. After all, you won't be here if it's not for our generosity."

'Now, is that a compliment?' Selena scoffed in her mind. 'Of course not. It's a thinly veiled warning. A way to remind me of my low standing in this company. And his way of warning me to stay away from his son. So he really called me to say those words.'

Pierson's tone lowered as he added, "However, every good thing in this world has a price. To pay for our generosity, you need to do something."

Hiding her hands behind her back as she clenched them, Selena spoke, "I understand. Don't worry, I'll do my best to become more good secretary to your-"

"Maybe that's what Dwaine also thought of when he decided to sell you to Maxwell in exchange for saving the Mercian."

"..."

His words that stopped her from speaking, those sentences... Selena heard it well.

Even so, she wants to doubt it. 'I must've heard it wrong. Yeah, I'm just hallucinating.'

And after a long silence, she plastered a smile. "I...I think I'm a little bit tired. I would want to excuse myself, Sir."

She turned around, but his words stopped Selena in her tracks.

"You're not dense, Miss Moore. I told you, you're smart. You already grasp what I mean by my words. It's been a day since my son started to ignore you. You must already sense something wrong."

"I don't know what tricks you did to make the CEO of Zuiqe want you. But thanks to it, Dwaine secured a contract today with Maxwell by selling you out. Now, Mercian is out of crisis thanks to you."

Slowly, her hands clutched the hem of her skirt.

"You're lying." Facing Pierson, she said, "That's absurd. There's no way Dwaine would sell me out."

Pierson's brows slightly raised at her statement.

Heaving an air, she sharply said, "If you're saying this just to make sure to make me stay away from your son, sorry, I won't. But don't worry, I won't have any romantic feelings for him. I'll make sure to stay at his side as his secretary."

Strangely, while she said those words, she was reminded of something.

"Selena."

It was his voice.

"Do you trust me?"

His empty and heavy tone keeps bothering her.

But she decided to ignore it.

Her hands clenched. "So, You don't need to tell such a lie. If Dwaine hears this, he'll be disappointed."

"Ha..." a laugh left Pierson. "If you don't want to believe me, look it for yourself."

A black folder was tossed onto the table.

"See it yourself on how my son decided to abandon you."

No matter how many times she ordered herself not to open it, her own hands already betrayed her.

It was indeed a collaboration contract between Zuiqe and Mercian.

As she read through it, her eyes suddenly froze on the last page. Her hands trembled as she whispered to herself, "In exchange for a collaboration with Mercian, Maxwell Lawson wants Selena Moore. And... And..."

As if a barb wrapped on her throat, making breathing hard, she gazed at Dwaine's name on the contract.

'And to save the company, Dwaine, he...'

'He and the chairman signed it without my permission.'

'Dwaine has sold me out to Maxwell Lawson.'

Selena's mind was in turmoil, and the chaos had left her feeling numb and empty.

"I need to see Dwaine. This can't be true," she muttered, shaking her head slowly. Grabbing the folder, she marched towards the door and saw Dwaine's figure outside.

Despite the weight that felt like it was crushing her throat, Selena summoned the courage to look at his face and forced a smile.

"This is just a prank, right?"

However, Dwaine's cold expression made it clear that it was not a prank.

Seeing the evident pain in Selena's eyes, he lowered his gaze and flatly pressed his lips.

"One year," he said, clenching his hands. "Just bear it for one year."

A ringing silence hangs in the space.

Feet voluntary taking a step back, her face paled.

"You really sold me out," her voice rough and thick. "The reason why you keep asking me if I trust you, and the reason why you ignored me, It was because you're guilty. Because you," her voice trembled, "Out of people, dared to sell me out to a man."

Selena's words struck Dwaine hard.

Still, Dwaine stepped closer and held her shoulder. His gaze was full of eagerness.

"Only four people knew that contract, including you. So, I hope you'll keep it a secret."

Flabbergasted, Selena laughs hollowly. "What?"

Dwaine's grip on her shoulder tightened. "I had no choice, Selena. I did all of this for the sake of Mercian and our future. That's why I didn't sell you. I just let Maxwell borrow you for a while."

His words only made Selena feel worse.

"For the sake of the company," she muttered.

After falling into silence, a downturned smile showed on Selena's lips. "You're right. You need to save the company. I mustn't blame you, Dwaine. I-I forgot my place, I'm sorry. I'm just a lowly secretary whose opinion doesn't matter. A loyal dog who will do anything her master wants, right?"

"Selena! What are you spouting?" Dwaine lifted his hands and caressed Selena's cheeks. He shook his head. "I don't know why Maxwell wants you. But I'm sure for one thing," He smiled with reassurance. "I'll take you back from him. I promise. After all, you trust me."

"What for?" Selena said, pulling her shoulder away from him. "You don't need to take me back."

Dwaine felt a prickling stab as he watched Selena move away from him. Slowly, he looked into her eyes, which were full of hatred he was afraid to see.

"What...did you say?" he slowly asked.

"I said you don't need to take me back. Because the moment I leave the company is when our ties end."

His gaze didn't leave her as a frown creased on him. Soon, a sneering smile left his lips.

"You'll end ties with who?" his cold voice prevailed.

Selena looked down and took out a pen from her blazer's pocket.

She shot him a glance.

"I only need to sign this, right?"

"Selena."

Ignoring his voice, Selena opened the folder and signed the contract.

"Here." Pushing the contract towards him, she smiled again and sarcastically exclaimed, "Congratulations, Sir Dwaine Scoth. You finally saved the Mercian. I wish you success."

She bowed for the last time.

"If you have nothing to say, I'll leave now."

But before she could go, Dwaine firmly grabbed her wrist.

"Where are you going? Selena, we're not-"

"Let go of me!"

Selena tore her arm away from him.

Trying to calm herself, she took a deep breath and whispered, "Don't worry, I'll do my best to keep my mouth shut about the deal, as per your order, sir."

She lowly chuckled.

"Well, it's not like I have a choice in the beginning."

Without sparing him an ounce of glance, Selena left.

.........

In the dark early night, as the stars and moon tucked themselves with blankets of clouds, street lamps shined the whole city with bright lights.

Amid the loud, busy street, Selena paved herself from the people. But as her vision started to blur her surroundings, her pace started to slow and soon stopped.

Biting her quivering lips, she tried to walk forward. But no matter how much she wanted to gather herself, tears uncontrollably left her eyes.

She wished it was a dream. A short nightmare that would vanish once she woke up. However, the pain she's having now is too painful to be called a dream.

"I had no choice, Selena. I did all of this for the sake of Mercian and our future. That's why I didn't sell you. I just let Maxwell borrow you for a while."

His words were like a brick that countlessly hit her, slowly shredding her body into a million pieces.

It was he who sold her out with a mere piece of paper-her friend she trusted the most and the man she unconditionally gave her love for years.

"Out of people, why?"

A quiet sob escaped her.

"Dwaine, why did you sell me out to Maxwell? Why?"

Defeated, Selena covered her face with her shaking, cold hands as she let out all the tears she had been keeping.

........

After crying for a long time, Selena found herself in a daze while sitting on a bench near a small park.

The loud and busy street is now rested in silence. Few cars passed, and trees on the roadside swayed as the chilly midnight breeze blew. As the cold air settled on her skin, a grumbling sound from her stomach was heard next. Perhaps it was because she burned a lot of calories due to crying for hours, which made her hungry. Or maybe it was because of the savory smell that lingers in the air from the tent bar across the street.

Subconsciously, her feet had already led her in front of the see-through tent. The muffled voices from the customers could be heard from the outside while the strong, smoky smell of the grilling barbecue entered her nose.

"What do you want, miss?" Asked by the stall owner the moment Selena entered inside.

"I want-" pausing, she cleared her throat and continued with her hoarse voice, "Give me two bottles of beer and a plate of barbecue, please."

....

Footsteps echoed down the parking basement of Zuiqe's building. As the owner of the footsteps came closer, Trey- who noticed his boss's presence, quickly had his posture straightened. Tugging his glass up to his nose, he glanced at Maxwell. On his boss's chiseled face, shown a dark circle under his sharp eyes. A thing that even added up to Maxwell's intimidating aura.

"Good evening, Sir," Trey cautiously greeted him and immediately opened the back door for Maxwell.

"How's the talk with director Yoo?" Maxwell asked while he loosened his tie.

Trey glanced at him through the car's mirror and handed him a folder.

"The talk went smoothly. Also, director Yoo gave this as evidence against Chief Wright."

"Mmm." After his short, insincere response, the car met with silence except for the faint sound of the radio and the flipping sound of paper.

"How's about the situation with her?" Maxwell asked after closing the folder.

Briefly glancing at him and gazing back on the road, Trey replied, "Based on the report, after Dwaine signed the contract, he went straight to Mercian. Miss Moore is also still at his company. And the chance that she's aware of the contract is one hundred percent."

"So, it's happening," after Maxwell uttered those words, a faint smirk played on his mouth.

The black rover car slowly stopped at the red light. Not even a half minute had passed; Trey's following words caught Maxwell's attention.

"Speaking of Miss Moore, isn't that her?"

Following where Trey's gaze was pointed, Maxwell looked at the familiar silhouette of a woman.

It was Selena Moore.

The woman he just bought today.